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Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Chive Plants
Planting
Chives grow best in full sun, though they will tolerate light shade. Ideally, the soil should be moist, fertile, and well-draining. Before planting, incorporate 4 to 6 inches of well-composted organic matter. Work compost into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. (Read more about soil amendments and preparing the soil for planting.)
When to Plant Chives
- Chives are considered a cool-season crop, meaning they grow best in the spring and fall. The harsher temperatures of summer usually cause them to go dormant until cool weather arrives again.
- For a head start in colder regions, start chive seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.) Transplants need good growth before being set in the garden.
- Outdoors, sow seeds as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. They can take a few weeks to germinate, so don’t panic! For the best germination and growth, the temperature of the soil should be between 60º and 70ºF (15º and 21ºC).
- Plant transplants outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.
How to Plant Chives
- Sow seeds about 2 inches apart and no more than ¼ inch deep. Cover with a thin layer of soil.
- Once seedlings emerge, thin them so that plants are spaced between 4 to 6 inches apart in all directions.
Harvesting
How to Harvest Chives
- Begin harvesting chive leaves about 30 days after you transplant or 60 days after seeding.
- Be sure to cut the leaves down to the base when harvesting (within 1 to 2 inches of the soil).
- Harvest 3 to 4 times during the first year. In subsequent years, cut plants back monthly.
- The chive plant will flower in late spring or early summer. The flowers are edible and taste best just after they have opened—they should look full and bright.
How to Store Chives
- Use chives when they’re fresh or frozen (freeze the leaves in an airtight bag). Dried chives lose their flavor.
- Store chives in a cool place in a resealable container.
Recipes
Catherine Boeckmann
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Hi Laura,
The purple chive flowers are edible as well as beautiful, and can be enjoyed from early May to late June. If you cut off the flowers, new shoots will grow, but you can also wait to cut them after they have finished blooming in mid-summer and still get new growth. Chives will not grow new shoots unless you cut the foliage down when harvesting, or you let the flowers bloom and seed new chives for the following year. Separate and divide large clumps for transplanting to help maintain a healthy crop.
What is a chives life cycle?
Chives take about 80 days from seed to harvest. The plant’s life depends on constant harvesting of the leaves. Also, every year, divide the clumps and plant in a different part of the ground.
Can chives be grown in a as a potted plant? If so what are your suggestions for doing this?
Thank you,
Sherri
Yes, chives are easily grown in pots placed in a sunny location. Use pots with good drainage and fill with a prepared soil mix. Water to maintain uniform soil moisture.
i am wondering if someone could tell me what to plant next to my jalapenos for best results to avoid bugs and for best yield of harvest.
Basil, onions, leeks, okra, garlic, petunia, nasturtium, and my favorite bug repeller..... Marigolds. I always have marigolds in the garden to repel aphids, beetles, potato and squash bugs, etc... Jalpenos have lots of companions. The ones I listed will help keep the bugs at bay.
so my daughter school planted chives for fun project, they planted them in a small plant pot. they are growing amazingly, but they are growing so fast that i'm worried they need to be moved into something bigger. or will they be ok in the small plant pot ? any help will do and thank you.
It’s recommended to plant individual chive plants in a 6- to 8-inch diameter pot, or plant multiple plants about 4 inches apart in a larger pot. Use pots that have holes in the bottom and use light well-draining soil mix. You can also plant the chives outdoors in the garden.
I have automotive background and have no knowledge of plant or agri-business.
I planted a chive two years. In the first year, I harvested a few times. During the winter, I left it. However, I noticed, it grew and just harvested. I am encouraged with the chive. I am going to grow chives in my yard. Home-grown chives contain some sweetness and tender vs. commercial sold chives. I will plant more chives in my yard according to your manual & instruction, which are very useful to follow. Thank you very much.
